I came across a verse in my study today that I’ve never fully absorbed before. But it was one that especially resonated with me.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. — Romans 15:13

On the heels of what has been a pretty rough 2008 for most people, I think this will be a theme verse for me in the upcoming year. Tomorrow I’m planning on posting my reflections on my resolution for this past year, but as I think about ’09, much of my prayer is that I’ll be able to focus on (and even recover, to a certain extent) the hopeful kind of life that the Holy Spirit longs to bring about in me.

May the new year bring the presence of God’s Spirit in your life. And may you abound in hope, joy, and peace.